It's not the first time I've been told....

"You must have the best job in the world!"

Yes, yes I do. If you're a lover of the canine world then you will understand. What is that you will understand? That you could have woken up to the most miserable mood possible, the coffee maker breaks as you rub grumpiness out of your eyes, you stub your toe on the tub getting into the shower and maybe you get pulled over for rolling through a stop sign......but the minute you step foot through that first door and see those happy doggie faces, barks of joy and wagging tails.....it's gone, all of it.

Thanks TL for reminding of this.

"It was a different kind of happy!"

There are studies that note that almost half of the dogs in the US are overweight! HALF! Did you know that extra weight puts them up against many health risks? Did you also know that lack of exercise decreases muscle mass, muscle tone, circulation, and bone mass? Dogs are generally more restless, have pent up energy leading to behavioral issues and don't sleep as well when not walked regularly. All in all...sounds like having a child right? Honestly, it sounds like me when I don't get my exercise in!!!

You know, we are individuals....we make our own choices. But making the choice to bring a dog into your home and then making the choice to not exercise it daily is only hurting your dog. You see, if it was THEIR choice, they would love to get out more often.

The purpose of writing today? I followed up with a customer of mine, letting her know about how much fun her dog had today. It was her dogs second day with me.... She went on to tell me that yesterday when she got home she could tell that her dog was happy. So I asked her, "you can tell right? what kind of happy would you describe?". Well, basically if her dog had not been walked, he's right at the door when she gets home and he flys all over the house. But yesterday when she got home, she had to call to him from the other room! Her words "he just looked happy, a different kind of happy, like he was content".

Believe me, I understand many of you lead hectic lives and work long ours. If you're a follower of my blog then you know that not too long ago I was "that" person. But I invested my hard earned dollars in a dog walker. Now I'm "that" dog walker.....

The Sad Reality....Reality TV

I'll admit it, I'm a reality TV junkie....

Some of it I recognize as a little ridiculous but get a little sucked in. Others are just silly, yet have an underlying positive message. And then some are incredibly difficult to watch, but have a huge positive message. One in specific would be Animal Precinct on the Animal Planet channel. I fully realize that some people just can't watch this and ask themselves "why would the Animal Planet display such cruelty on TV and how can you bear to watch?". Well, I guess I watch it (only once in awhile, and even then it's difficult) for a couple important reason's. One, to remember that there are dedicated people out there that are working to bring justice to the cruelty of animals and two, to just remind myself that we unfortunately don't live in a fantasy world. It could very well be happening right here in our little corner of the world.

My message here? Awareness is powerful.

Are you CRAZY?

I recently read this article from Dog Living Magazine.

As stated in a previous post, I left my rather unstable corporate job. Yes, I thought that I was crazy and second guessed this decision several times, it was a struggle. However, once I got the word out about starting up my own pet business the out pouring of support was unremarkable!

If you haven't heard, the economy is lacking and I was feeling that I was going to loose my management position. But in my research I noticed that the pet industry was still thriving. Going into a local pet store I was pleased to see that it was incredibly busy, even on a weekday evening. Because of my 50 hour work week, we made cuts and compromises in other areas of our budget to provide for our two dogs, it was "no brainer"! Yes, I have heard of and read stories where this hasn't been the case for some people, having to give up their loved ones after losing their jobs. It's saddening but I then read of tear jerking stories where the community or neighbors came to the rescue of these pets.

All in all, it's still a great time to be a pet!

Dear Gentle Leader...

Of course I've heard of and seen the Gentle Leader but always thought that with my reinforcement and training that any dog can be taught to heel or not pull out in front. Well I've been proven wrong! My German Shorthair has been taught to heel since before the age of 1. He's always been pretty good at it but it's very short lived during a walk. After all, he is a bird dog, 60 lbs of PURE muscle and is in constant "hunt mode". I thought about trying the Gentle Leader after using one with a client of mine (also a little energetic bird dog). The difference has been phenomenal! With both my dog and my client the Gentle Leader directs the dogs attention back to me, keeps them at a controlled heel yet allows them to explore and sniff on our walk.
I would say that both of these dogs have the same demeanor....high energy, not stubborn and submissive to voice command. So the true test will be using the Gentle Leader on a dog that is none of those!

Another client of mine uses the Easy Walk Harness. This is a great alternative for a dog that just can't or doesn't want to get used to having something around it's face like the Gentle Leader. The Easy Walk Harness goes around the dogs mid section and your lead hooks in front of the dogs chest. If the dog pulls you just pull back towards you gently and the harness tightens slightly around the dogs midsection and directs the dogs attention back to you.

Remember, always use your preferred voice command when you direct the dog back to you and always, always REWARD....whether it be with small treats or physical rewards!! My guy gets both!

Happy Walking!

Cesar Millan of Maine

No, I'm not the Dog Whisperer, but I've taken up a little rollerblading with my German ShortHair. You see, he's 7 going on....6 months. So full of energy, it's crazy to think of him as a "senior" (that's what the vet called him and I gasped at the thought!).

So, this morning bright and early we hit the pavement. Better to be up on the streets before everyone else. This is for two reasons:

1) less traffic to worry about.
2) at this point my rollerblading skills are in their infancy.

His mouth is a wide open smile, ears back in the wind following his up and down motion as he gallops at full stride. I look at his muscles working and notice how sleek and chiseled he his as he runs. "Come on Mossy! Come on Buddy!", I say to him to really get him up to speed.

So satisfying to my soul.

Here a point, there a point, everywhere a point point...

Enter...Mr. MossOak. Doing what he does best. Enter....me. Enjoying the walk maybe more than he is, watching his intensity, his talent, his athleticism.

Its a "doggie doggie" world....

Get it? Doggie doggie world?? Dog eat.... ok you get it!

Here I am! Sitting in a coffee shop...I've always dreamt of being here working at marketing my business. BirdSniffer's Pet Service. You see, I'm a product of 50 hour corporate work weeks. The sales grind! Hit those quotas! Working days off! Well I'm leaving that mess behind to chase this dream. Midday I would hit a coffee shop for a quick fix to keep up the grind. I used to gaze at people at their tables, papers spread about around their laptops, big glass of iced coffee, maybe a latte, intently working, occasionally gazing out the window, then back to the key board. Oh love of mine...here I am doing just that.

As stated in my bio, my name is Tiffany (let's just keep it informal). I have started up my very own pet service here in Portland, Maine. I am currently getting my certification in Canine Massage Therapy. The way I look at it...I will be helping owners and their beautiful canines feel comfort and live longer through therapy at the same time providing my own therapy by choosing this path in life.

Currently I am marketing my service's for those that need regular dog walking or pet sitting for vacationers, weekenders or what have you. Here at my blog site I look forward to sharing the fun, the joy, the therapeutic feelings of walking through the streets or running through parks with my dear canines. Or maybe you'll read about a quiet evening spent with a sweet cat curled up beside me while it's owners are away.

So stick with me here, pet lovers and the likes.

T